Anxiety Disorder

About Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder which is characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with everyday life. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety Disorder and Addiction

Dual-diagnosis is the coexisting of addiction and mental illness. Dual-diagnosis can be difficult to treat and requires specific knowledge and skills in order to properly treat both conditions simultaneously. It is not uncommon for those suffering from mental illness to turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and provide temporary relief.

Individuals with anxiety are twice as likely to suffer from substance abuse. The use of drugs and alcohol can worsen the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, reinforcing the need to use more of these substances in order to function normally. This creates a cycle of substance abuse which can lead to chemical dependency and addiction.

While the exact cause of anxiety disorders are not known, they are not the result of personal weakness, poor upbringing, or a character flaw. An estimated 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders. Approximately one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

Heart palpitations

Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness

Sleeping problems

Shortness of breath

Dry mouth

Inability to be still and calm

Nausea

Muscle tension

Dizziness

Numbness or tingling in feet and hands

Treatment of Anxiety Disorder and Addiction

It can be difficult to properly identify the symptoms of mental illness and addiction. The symptoms often overlap, but with the help of a therapist specially trained in dual-diagnosis, recovery is possible.

At Silicon Beach Outpatient Center, our therapists are specially trained to treat patients with dual-diagnosis disorders. With the proper treatment and therapy, our team is able to help patients gain their freedom back from addiction and mental health disorders. To contact Silicon Beach Outpatient Center for additional information about our dual-diagnosis treatment program, please call us today at 844.415.8198.